Investigation of the influence of fuel characteristics on biomass combustion in real and laboratory conditions

Abstract

In order to study the combustion process of baled biomass several experimental facility was built. During the investigations for several years certain problems were founded. In the paper presented the results of these investigations that were carried out in real and laboratory conditions. Investigation of the influence of bale quality to the process of biomass combustion shows that careful bales choosing avoid many problems in the boiler operation. Performed experimental investigation has demonstrated that the use of additives allows for safe and reliable biomass combustion, even of biomass varieties characterized by low ash melting temperature, such as wheat straw and maize. Investigation of the characteristics of biomass exposed to the process of leaching and washing indicate that the washing of wheat straw affects the chemical composition of the ash, which is reflected in the increase the ash melting temperatures. The results of the performed tests in experimental furnace in many ways help to better behavior the process of baled biomass combustion in order to avoid the exploitation problems of the use of agricultural biomass. Also, the results of this research will be used in designing and construction the new plants that will burn agricultural baled biomass. © 2019 ETA-Florence Renewable Energies.